Dragoncrest Cliffs waiting for the 7.18

The beast notes her reaction and is puzzled. He had not been dishonest, but he cannot read her mind to comprehend what about his decision displeases her - and so he lets it go easily. The role of Fos Goufa is important, he understands that conceptually, but without the context of why he does not find himself bothered by her opinions. In truth, even with the context of why he would not be too bothered, so long as she allowed him to continue to do his work.

He is a simple man, after all. 

Her words directly address his status as an outsider. For a moment he wonders if she intends to offend with that, though he himself is still unbothered. "Mm," he says thoughtfully. "I have spent most of my life adrift, and have been contented with that," Étoille starts. He has never been the type to elaborate on his past, and yet, he feels he should this time. "I have also lost many chances at some genuine connection as a result. After a time, I began to realise the fruitlessness of this." Before Mirabelle, there had been Wolfgangliana. There had been Gnarled Oaks and the trickster Loki in the forest, and there had been the hopeful Tytonidae. All had offered something to him, and all had carelessly slipped through his paws. Not necessarily his fault every time - but his dedication to inaction had certainly cost him something.

 "Ajatar. I do not require much to be content," he explains, "but Drageda has given me something I did not know I needed: something larger than myself to dedicate to." He does not know if his words will be adequate, but he hopes it is something, that the withdrawn woman will see something of his inner workings.